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MOTS-c

Exercise Mimetic

Mimics the metabolic effects of exercise at the cellular level

Weight LossPeptideRoute · SubQReviewed Apr 2026
01 — OVERVIEW
SYSTEMSHow MOTS-c affects you

Mitochondrial peptide that flips on AMPK.

Encoded by mitochondrial DNA, MOTS-c activates AMPK — the cellular 'low energy' switch that promotes glucose uptake, fat burning, and metabolic flexibility.

Insulin sens.
preclinical
Endurance
mouse models
  • Mimics many benefits of exercise at the cellular level.
  • Regulates metabolic homeostasis across muscle, liver, and adipose tissue.
  • Declines with age, which may contribute to metabolic aging.

MOTS-c is a peptide encoded by your mitochondria. It activates the same cellular pathways exercise does — improving insulin sensitivity, increasing fat burning, and boosting metabolic efficiency. It doesn't replace exercise, but it switches on similar signals in muscle and fat cells.

02 — PHARMACOKINETICS

How long it stays, how it leaves.

Half-life
12 h
Default concentration
10000 mcg
Common vial sizes
10000 mcg

Fixed dosing — not weight-adjusted. The calculator handles reconstitution math for common vial sizes so you inject the right volume every time.

03 — DOSING PROTOCOL

Three tiers, three goals.

beginner4-8 weeks cycle
Dose
55 mg
Frequency
Once weekly
Cycle
4-8 weeks
intermediate8-12 weeks cycle
Dose
510 mg
Frequency
2-3 times weekly
Cycle
8-12 weeks
advanced8-12 weeks cycle
Dose
1015 mg
Frequency
3-5 times weekly
Cycle
8-12 weeks
04 — SIDE EFFECTS

What people actually report.

  • Redness at injection spot
  • Mild flu-like feeling at first
  • Fatigue as your body adjusts
05 — WARNINGS

Before you start.

  • Your body makes this naturally — generally well-tolerated
  • Must be kept in the fridge — breaks down at room temperature
  • Growing research but still limited human studies
06 — STACKING & INTERACTIONS

Combinations worth knowing.

Cellular Energy Overhaul

MOTS-c activates the exercise signals while SS-31 repairs the power plants themselves. Like upgrading both the software and hardware of your cells.

07 — CITATIONS & Q&A

Research behind the claims.

Lee C, Zeng J, Drew BG, et al. · Cell Metabolism · 2015
MOTS-c injection into obese mice activated AMPK in muscle, reversed insulin resistance, and reduced fat mass without dietary change.
Reynolds JC, Lai RW, Woodhead JST, et al. · Nature Communications · 2021
Exercise elevates circulating MOTS-c in humans; supplementation in aged mice restored physical performance and muscle mass.
Lee C, Kim KH, Cohen P. · Free Radical Biology and Medicine · 2016
Review of MOTS-c's role as a mitochondrial hormone that regulates glucose/fatty-acid metabolism and declines with aging.

Ask anything, get cited answers.